EEF1A lysine methyltransferase 4 (EEF1AKMT4)

EEF1A lysine methyltransferase 4 (EEF1AKMT4) is a protein lysine methyltransferase enzyme in humans, encoded by the EEF1AKMT4 gene[2]. It belongs to the 7-beta-strand methyltransferase family and specifically catalyzes the transfer of methyl groups to lysine 36 on both eEF1A1 and eEF1A2, the principal translation elongation factors responsible for the delivery of aminoacyl-tRNAs to the ribosome during protein synthesis[1][3]. Trimethylation of eEF1A at Lys-36 by EEF1AKMT4 is a dynamic and regulated modification that modulates the speed and dynamics of mRNA translation, particularly influencing codon-specific translation rates and global protein synthesis output[1][3][5]. Knockout or impairment of EEF1AKMT4 leads to altered translation fidelity and relative abundance of proteins, with pronounced effects at the level of individual codons, indicating a role in fine-tuning ribosomal function and translational responses to cellular cues[1][3]. The methylation of eEF1A by EEF1AKMT4, and related post-translational modifications, may have pathophysiological relevance in cancer and stress-related conditions, but clinically actionable targeting or biomarker use is still experimental[5].

Other names

EEF1A lysine methyltransferase 4EEF1AKMT4eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha lysine specific methyltransferase 4eEF1A-KMT4

Theoretically, a drug targeting EEF1AKMT4 would inhibit lysine-36 methylation of eEF1A, thereby altering mRNA translation and associated cellular outcomes.